68 RECORDS OF BIG GAME 
Head of Chital. 
The CHITAL or AXIS DEER (Cervus axis). 
This beautiful species is distinguished from all the other members 
of the rusa-like deer, except the Philippine spotted deer (C. adfred2), 
by the body being profusely spotted with white at all seasons and 
all ages; the general colour of the upper-parts being light rufous 
fawn, with a dark stripe from the nape to the tip of the tail and 
a black band on the muzzle. Height at shoulder from 36 to 38 
inches ; live-weight estimated at about 200 lbs. Antlers supported 
on short pedicles, long, slender, and moderately rough ; the brow-tine 
making nearly a right angle with the beam, and the front tine of the 
terminal fork, which forms the continuation of the beam, much the longer. 
Distribution.—India and Ceylon. 
The Ceylon chital (C. axis zeylanicus) has relatively small and light 
antlers, and also differs somewhat in coloration from the large typical 
race of Central India. There is also a small continental form (C. 
axis minor). 
